Yoga Stretches For UPPER BODY
If you want to strengthen your upper body, try these yoga poses. These poses are adapted to all skill levels and are mildly challenging. You can also practice them if you have trouble with your hips. Sidebend stretches strengthen your shoulder blades, improves mobility of the sides of your body, and relieves tension in the spine and hips. To deepen the stretch, you can add weight to your arms.
Cat-Cow stretch – Adapt this pose to your own body size. Sit with your arms spread, palms facing down, and knees together. This stretch will open your chest, stretch your shoulder blades, and stretch your upper back. Make sure to connect your breath with the movement. Repeat as many times as you can. Repeat this stretch three to five times. Boost your upper body’s flexibility and endurance by practicing this posture daily.
Child’s pose – This pose can be done passively or actively. It is great for beginners because it helps develop flexibility in the back, and can help relieve stress. The poses are best done while seated on the floor, which allows you to feel external rotation on your legs and back. If you’re looking for a quick way to strengthen your upper body, try the seated leg rotation pose.
Headstand – Press the right thigh into your torso while looking over your right shoulder. Continue to breathe and keep your torso tall and erect. Exhale as you increase the twist. While doing this, lift your head and relax your neck. You’re almost there! Once you’ve completed the stretch, you should be able to do headstand and backbends in comfort.
Forward bend – Begin by standing tall on the mat, feet about three to four feet apart. Next, bend your knees inward over your right leg, and place your right hand behind the arch of your back foot. Keep your left arm parallel to the floor. As you lift your arms, lift your gaze over your right hand. Continue in this way, and repeat a few times, until you feel comfortable with this pose.
Warrior – Similarly to Warrior I, this pose is performed by bending your right knee and ankle into the floor. You should also bend your left knee and ankle and keep your shoulders and hips parallel to the floor. Inhale deeply while bending your knees. Remember to keep your head and neck erect. By practicing the above yoga stretches for the upper body, you can improve your posture and relieve tension in your muscles.